Wayanad Sky Island Bird Survey 2026 Documents 156 Species Including Endangered Birds

The 2026 Wayanad Sky Island Bird Survey recorded 156 bird species, including eight threatened and 20 Western Ghats endemic species, with 12 species newly documented. Conducted from March 13 to 15 by about 55 birdwatchers across 11 camps, the survey covered habitats above 1,200 meters in Wayanad's mountain ranges. Notable sightings included the Himalayan Buzzard, recorded for only the second time in Kerala, and the endangered Banasura Laughingthrush, endemic to the district's sky islands.